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Lin Z, Zhang Y, Liang X, Huang G, Fan F, Yin X, Chen Z. Spatial distribution of rare earth elements and their impact factors in an area with a high abundance of regolith-hosted deposits. Chemosphere 2024; 352:141374. [PMID: 38342144 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite the widespread occurrence of regolith-hosted rare earth elements (REEs) across South China, their spatial distribution characteristics in soils and their impact factors remain largely uncertain. This knowledge gap impedes the exploration of regolith-hosted REE deposits and the assessment of the environmental risks associated with REEs. To address this issue, 180 soil samples were collected from Meizhou City, Guangdong Province, a region known for its high abundance of regolith-hosted REEs. Subsequently, the correlations between REE enrichment/fractionation and various factors, i.e., topography, climate conditions, land use, and landform were analysed using the geo-detector method. The results revealed a highly uneven spatial distribution of REEs and their fractionation features with some regions displaying distinct spatial patterns. Elevation was the dominant factor influencing this distribution, and showed strong correlations with the concentrations of REEs, light REEs (LREEs) and heavy REEs (HREEs); the LREE/HREE ratio; and the positive Ce anomaly (δCe). The negative Eu anomaly (δEu) showed a good correlation with rock type. The enrichment and fractionation of REEs indicated a coupling among the abovementioned factors. For REE enrichment, areas with elevations of 138-148 m, precipitation levels of 1553-1574 mm, annual average land surface temperatures of 30.4-30.5 °C, leaf area index values of 22-29 and surface cutting degree of 21.5-29.9 m showed the highest average abundance within each type (scope) of the predominant factors. These findings highlight the key factors affecting REE distribution, thereby aiding the efficient utilization of regolith-hosted REE resources and the evaluation of their environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoling Lin
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, PR China; Guangdong Public Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, 510070, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yaduo Zhang
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Xiaoliang Liang
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Material Research & Development, Guangzhou, 510640, PR China.
| | - Guangqing Huang
- Guangdong Public Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, 510070, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Fenglei Fan
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China.
| | - Xiaoling Yin
- Guangdong Public Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, 510070, PR China
| | - Zhihao Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
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Wang Y, He L, Dong S, Fu H, Wang G, Liang X, Tan W, He H, Zhu R, Zhu J. Accumulation, translocation, and fractionation of rare earth elements (REEs) in fern species of hyperaccumulators and non-hyperaccumulators growing in urban areas. Sci Total Environ 2023; 905:167344. [PMID: 37751840 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The issue of ion-adsorption type rare earth deposits (IADs) in urban areas of South China has garnered significant attention due to its environmental implications. Hyperaccumulator-based phytoremediation is a potentially effective solution for reducing the environmental impact of IADs in urban areas, particularly using ferns as they are known to be REE hyperaccumulators. However, the ability of different fern species to accumulate REEs in urban areas remains unknown. In this study, four fern species, including known hyperaccumulators (Dicranopteris linearis and Blechnum orientale) and other ferns (Pteris ensiformis and Cibotium barometz), were studied to investigate their REE accumulation abilities in the Guangzhou urban area. The aboveground parts of Dicranopteris linearis (848.7 μg g-1) and Blechum orientale (1046.8 μg g-1) have been found to accumulate high concentrations of REEs, demonstrating they probably can be applied for phytoremediation in the natural environments. Despite having lower REE concentrations than REE hyperaccumulators, Pteris ensiformis and Cibotium barometz still probably have the function as phytostabilizers in urban areas, as REEs can be enriched in their roots beyond the normal levels of plants. The enrichment of REEs in ferns is influenced by the availability of various nutrients (K, Ca, Fe, and P), which probably can be associated with different growth processes. The four fern species show LREE enrichment, moderate Eu anomalies and different Ce anomalies. It is difficult to absorb and transfer Ce to the aboveground parts of Blechnum orientale and Cibotium barometz. The study also identified selective enrichment of Ce in Pteris ensiformis, which has potential for comprehensive extraction of REEs when combined with other REE hyperaccumulators. REE fractionations are probably determined by the specific characteristics of different fern parts. Overall, these findings provide insights for addressing potential environmental problems related to IADs and offer guidelines for phytoremediation technology in addressing high REE levels in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liuqing He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shiyong Dong
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Haoyang Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Gaofeng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoliang Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongping He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Runliang Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianxi Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Migaszewski ZM, Gałuszka A. The use of rare earth element profiles as a proxy for a fractionation source and mine-waste provenance. Sci Total Environ 2023; 901:166517. [PMID: 37619738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) have been determined in acid mine drainage samples from the Wiśniówka area, south-central Poland. Two benchmark acid pit ponds, i.e., Podwiśniówka (PwIIb) and Wiśniówka Duża (WD), have shown diverse contents of sulfates, phosphates, REEs and metal(loid)s. Moreover, these ponds exhibit different NASC-normalized REE concentration patterns: (i) a positive middle REE anomaly in PwIIb and (ii) a positive heavy REE anomaly in WD, regardless of sampling time. This MREE anomaly has also been highlighted in a small tailings pile pool showing high contents of metal(loid)s, including As (3.86 g/L) and REEs (90.1 mg/L). In contrast, the light REE (LaEu)-rich profiles are recorded in all Upper Cambrian rock series of the study area. However, the Pw geologic section is distinctly enriched in pyrite, goethite/hematite and carbonaceous clayey-silty shales compared to its WD counterpart that contains a lesser amount of these components, but many more quartzite/sandstone beds. The Pw mineral-lithologic pattern favors selective partitioning of heavy REEs to abundant Fe- and Al-oxyhydroxides and organic matter. Both very short solute transport from sheer rock faces to pit ponds and a low pH of acid waters (mean of 2.3 to 3.0) indicate that scavenging/adsorption and mineral co-precipitation of REEs in a water column may be negligible. This inference is also backed up by overlapping REE profiles at different depths of acid pit ponds. Taken together, this implies that preferential fractionation of REEs takes place primarily during on-site weathering of pyrite and REE-bearing minerals in different rock media thus leading to changes in the Pw- and WD shale-normalized REE concentration patterns at source. The characteristic Pw roof-shaped (convex-up) profile in water samples has been used as a proxy for tracing the most detrimental Podwiśniówka As-bearing mine-waste that were scattered within the mining area a couple of years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdzisław M Migaszewski
- Institute of Chemistry, Jan Kochanowski University, 7 Uniwersytecka St., 25-406 Kielce, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Gałuszka
- Institute of Chemistry, Jan Kochanowski University, 7 Uniwersytecka St., 25-406 Kielce, Poland
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Ma S, Han G, Yang Y, Li X. Agricultural activity on the Mun River basin: insight from spatial distribution and sources of dissolved rare earth elements in northeast Thailand. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:106736-106749. [PMID: 37737948 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29917-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REE) are emerging pollutants of concern, impacted by intensive fertilizer use and discharge of human and animal waste into agricultural watersheds. However, the natural values and potential anthropogenic enrichment of REE in aqueous systems of the agricultural basins remain poorly understood. This study investigated the spatial variation of dissolved REE in a predominantly agricultural river (Mun River) in northeast Thailand. Dissolved ΣREE concentrations in the Mun River ranged from 5.08 to 272.91 ng/L, with the highest concentrations observed in the middle reaches where agricultural fertilizers and wastewater increased dissolved REE concentrations. The PAAS-normalized patterns and dissolved Eu anomaly jointly reveal that the dissolved ΣREE mainly originated from local rocks and agricultural fertilizers. The dissolved REE in the Mun River is characteristic of a depleted light REE relative to heavy REE, slightly negative Ce anomaly, positive Eu anomaly, and positive Gd anomaly in a punctate distribution. The correlation analysis of (La/Yb)N with fluvial pH and HCO3- indicates that the water environment characteristics of the Mun River control dissolved REE fractionation. The Ce anomaly is associated with the oxidation environment, whereas the Eu anomaly is linked to the lithologic inheritance. Positive punctate Gd anomalies are influenced by human-caused wastewater discharge and applying fertilizers, raising Gd concentrations beyond natural background levels. This study has suggested that the geochemical characteristics of dissolved REE are affected by agricultural disturbances, and future environmental research on dissolved REE is essential to clarifying the impacts of REE on agriculture, the environment, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunrong Ma
- Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Guilin Han
- Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Yiyun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
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Liu XR, Liu WS, Tang YT, Wang SZ, Cao YJ, Chen ZW, Xie CD, Liu C, Guo MN, Qiu RL. Effects of in situ leaching on the origin and migration of rare earth elements in aqueous systems of South China: Insights based on REE patterns, and Ce and Eu anomalies. J Hazard Mater 2022; 435:128959. [PMID: 35483265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In situ leaching of ion-adsorption rare earth element (REE) deposits has released large amounts of REE-containing wastewater. However, the origin, speciation, distribution and migration of REEs in aqueous systems of the mining catchment are poorly understood. Groundwater, surface water, in situ leachates and weathered granite soil samples were collected from a catchment affected by mining activities in South China. The REE concentrations in groundwater (6.18 × 10-3-0.49 μmol L-1) and surface water (2.54-44.05 μmol L-1) decreased from upstream to downstream. REEs in groundwater were detected in organic matter associated (FA-REE) colloids, while the REE3+ and REE(SO4)+ were converted to REE(CO3)+ and FA-REE colloids from leachates and upstream surface water to downstream. The REE patterns of leachates and upstream groundwater (light and middle REE enrichment) resembled those of soil, but showed heavy REE enrichment due to FA-REE colloids in the downstream. REE in surface water were derived from middle REE enriched leachate. The Ce and Eu anomalies in the water samples indicated the REE origin (i.e., mining activities) and the hydrological variations (e.g., oxidation environment and water-rock interaction). Our results reveal the origin and fate of REE in aqueous systems of ion-adsorption REE mining catchments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Rui Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Shen Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ye-Tao Tang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Jie Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Wu Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can-Die Xie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Na Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong-Liang Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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Li X, Liang X, He H, Li J, Ma L, Tan W, Zhong Y, Zhu J, Zhou MF, Dong H. Microorganisms Accelerate REE Mineralization in Supergene Environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022;:e0063222. [PMID: 35708325 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00632-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exogenic deposits are an important source of rare earth elements (REEs), especially heavy REEs (HREEs). It is generally accepted that microorganisms are able to dissolve minerals and mobilize elements in supergene environments. However, little is known about the roles of microorganisms in the formation of exogenic deposits such as regolith-hosted REE deposits that are of HREE enrichment and provide over 90% of global HREE demand. In this study, we characterized the microbial community composition and diversity along a complete weathering profile drilled from a regolith-hosted REE deposit in Southeastern China and report the striking contributions of microorganisms to the enrichment of REEs and fractionation between HREEs and light REEs (LREEs). Our results provide evidence that the variations in REE contents are correlated with microbial community along the profile. Both fungi and bacteria contributed to the accumulation of REEs, whereas bacteria played a key role in the fractionation between HREEs and LREEs. Taking advantage of bacteria strains isolated from the profile, Gram-positive bacteria affiliated with Bacillus and Micrococcus preferentially adsorbed HREEs, and teichoic acids in the cell wall served as the main sites for HREE adsorption, leading to an enrichment of HREEs in the deposit. The present study provides the first database of microbial community in regolith-hosted REE deposits. These findings not only elucidate the crucial contribution of fungi and bacteria in the supergene REE mineralization but also provide insights into efficient utilization of mineral resources via a biological pathway. IMPORTANCE Understanding the role of microorganisms in the formation of regolith-hosted rare earth element (REE) deposits is beneficial for improving the metallogenic theory and deposit exploitation, given that such deposits absolutely exist in subtropical regions with strong microbial activities. Little is known of the microbial community composition and its contribution to REE mineralization in this kind of deposit. Using a combination of high-throughput sequencing, batch adsorption experiments, and spectroscopic characterization, the functional microorganisms contributing to REE enrichment and fractionation are disclosed. For bacteria, the surface carboxyl and phosphate groups are active sites for REE adsorption, while teichoic acids in the cell walls of G+ bacteria lead to REE fractionation. The above-mentioned findings not only unravel the importance of microorganisms in the formation of supergene REE deposits but also provide experimental evidence for the bioutilization of REE resources.
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Liu M, Han G. Distribution and fractionation of rare earth elements in suspended particulate matter in a coastal river, Southeast China. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12414. [PMID: 34760394 PMCID: PMC8559607 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the river system, the geochemistry of rare earth elements (REEs, a series of elements from La to Lu) in suspended particulate matter (SPM) is generally controlled by rock weathering processes and hydrochemical characteristics, as well as being affected by anthropogenic activities. However, the variations of geochemical characteristics and behaviors of REEs in SPM with a salinity gradient from the inland river to the estuary have been short of a systematic understanding. Methods The REE concentrations, Post Archean Australia Shale (PAAS)-normalized REE, La/Yb, La/Sm, and Sm/Yb ratios of SPM were investigated in the Jiulongjiang River, which is a coastal river mainly flowing through granite rocks in Southeast China. The correlation relationships between physicochemical parameters (including water pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), HCO3 - concentrations, and the concentrations of major elements of SPM) and PAAS-normalized REE ratios of SPM were analyzed to determine the factors that affect the REE concentration and fractionation of SPM in the different regions of Jiulongjiang River, including the main stream and tributary of Beixi River, Xixi River, Nanxi River, and estuary. Additionally, the Ce, Eu, and Gd anomalies of SPM were estimated. Results The average ∑REE concentration of SPM (352 mg/kg) in the granite rock basin was twice higher than the mean value (175 mg/kg) of the world's rivers. The PAAS-normalized REE ratios of SPM in the main rivers including Beixi River (main stream), Xixi River, and Nanxi River were near due to the same lithologic distribution. In the tributary of Beixi River, the input of low-weathered carbonate minerals which contain very few REE caused the lower REE concentrations of SPM. The PAAS-normalized REE ratios of SPM in the estuary were significantly lower than those in the main rivers, which was mainly attributed to the significant REE removal with the increment of salinity. The enrichment of LREE relative to HREE in SPM increased with decreasing water pH in the main rivers. In the estuary, the preferential removal of dissolved LREE occurred compared to HREE with the increment of salinity. The negative Ce and Eu anomalies of SPM occurred in both the main rivers and estuary region and rare Gd pollution was present in the basin. Additionally, human activities caused the increment of REE concentrations and more negative Ce anomaly at some specific sites, such as dam effect and agricultural pollution. Conclusions The REE concentrations and fractionations of SPM in river water mainly depend on lithologic distribution and riverine pH, while they are affected by salinity in the estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Liu
- Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, China, China
| | - Guilin Han
- Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, China, China
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Sjöberg S, Stairs CW, Allard B, Homa F, Martin T, Sjöberg V, Ettema TJG, Dupraz C. Microbiomes in a manganese oxide producing ecosystem in the Ytterby mine, Sweden: impact on metal mobility. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2020; 96:fiaa169. [PMID: 32815988 PMCID: PMC7593233 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaa169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbe-mediated precipitation of Mn-oxides enriched in rare earth elements (REE) and other trace elements was discovered in tunnels leading to the main shaft of the Ytterby mine, Sweden. Defining the spatial distribution of microorganisms and elements in this ecosystem provide a better understanding of specific niches and parameters driving the emergence of these communities and associated mineral precipitates. Along with elemental analyses, high-throughput sequencing of the following four subsystems were conducted: (i) water seeping from a rock fracture into the tunnel, (ii) Mn-oxides and associated biofilm; referred to as the Ytterby Black Substance (YBS) biofilm (iii) biofilm forming bubbles on the Mn-oxides; referred to as the bubble biofilm and (iv) fracture water that has passed through the biofilms. Each subsystem hosts a specific collection of microorganisms. Differentially abundant bacteria in the YBS biofilm were identified within the Rhizobiales (e.g. Pedomicrobium), PLTA13 Gammaproteobacteria, Pirellulaceae, Hyphomonadaceae, Blastocatellia and Nitrospira. These taxa, likely driving the Mn-oxide production, were not detected in the fracture water. This biofilm binds Mn, REE and other trace elements in an efficient, dynamic process, as indicated by substantial depletion of these metals from the fracture water as it passes through the Mn deposit zone. Microbe-mediated oxidation of Mn(II) and formation of Mn(III/IV)-oxides can thus have considerable local environmental impact by removing metals from aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Sjöberg
- Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 8, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Courtney W Stairs
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 596, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bert Allard
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Felix Homa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 596, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Martin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 596, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Viktor Sjöberg
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Thijs J G Ettema
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 596, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christophe Dupraz
- Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 8, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Inguaggiato C, Pappaterra S, Peiffer L, Apollaro C, Brusca L, De Rosa R, Rouwet D, Caudron C. Mobility of REE from a hyperacid brine to secondary minerals precipitated in a volcanic hydrothermal system: Kawah Ijen crater lake (Java, Indonesia). Sci Total Environ 2020; 740:140133. [PMID: 32563880 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rare Earth Elements (REE; lanthanides and yttrium) are elements with high economic interest because they are critical elements for modern technologies. This study mainly focuses on the geochemical behavior of REE in hyperacid sulphate brines in volcanic-hydrothermal systems, where the precipitation of sulphate minerals occurs. Kawah Ijen lake, a hyperacid brine hosted in the Ijen caldera (Indonesia), was used as natural laboratory. ∑REE concentration in the lake water is high, ranging from 5.86 to 6.52 mg kg-1. The REE pattern of lake waters normalized to the average local volcanic rock is flat, suggesting isochemical dissolution. Minerals spontaneously precipitated in laboratory at 25 °C from water samples of Kawah Ijen were identified by XRD as gypsum. Microprobe analyses and the chemical composition of major constituents allow to identify possible other minerals precipitated: jarosite, Al-sulphate and Sr, Ba-sulphate. ∑REE concentration in minerals precipitated (mainly gypsum) range from 59.53 to 78.64 mg kg-1. The REE patterns of minerals precipitated normalized to the average local magmatic rock show enrichment in LREE. The REE distribution coefficient (KD), obtained from a ratio of its concentration in the minerals precipitated (mainly gypsum) and the lake water, shows higher values for LREE than HREE. KD-LREE/KD-HREE increases in the studied samples when the concentrations of BaO, MgO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, Na2O and the sum of total oxides (except SO3 and CaO) decrease in the solid phase. The presence of secondary minerals different than gypsum can be the cause of the distribution coefficient variations. High concentrations of REE in Kawah Ijen volcanic lake have to enhance the interest on these environments as possible REE reservoir, stimulating future investigations. The comparison of the KD calculated for REE after mineral precipitation (mainly gypsum) from Kawah Ijen and Poás hyperacid volcanic lakes allow to generalize that the gypsum precipitation removes the LREE from water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Inguaggiato
- Departamento de Geología, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California (CICESE), Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - Sabrina Pappaterra
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ecologia e Scienze della terra, Università della Calabria, via Pietro Bucci 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Loic Peiffer
- Departamento de Geología, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California (CICESE), Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Carmine Apollaro
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ecologia e Scienze della terra, Università della Calabria, via Pietro Bucci 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Brusca
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Palermo, Via U. La Malfa, 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosanna De Rosa
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ecologia e Scienze della terra, Università della Calabria, via Pietro Bucci 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Dmitri Rouwet
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Bologna, Via Donato Creti 12, Bologna, Italy
| | - Corentin Caudron
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, IFSTTAR, ISTerre, 38000 Grenoble, France, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, 24-28 Avenue du Lac d'Annecy, 73370 Le Bourget-du-Lac, France
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Cánovas CR, Macías F, Pérez López R, Nieto JM. Mobility of rare earth elements, yttrium and scandium from a phosphogypsum stack: Environmental and economic implications. Sci Total Environ 2018; 618:847-857. [PMID: 29054639 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates the mobility and fluxes of REE, Y and Sc under weathering conditions from an anomalously metal-rich phosphogypsum stack in SW Spain. The interactions of the phosphogypsum stack with rainfall and organic matter-rich solutions, simulating the weathering processes observed due to its location on salt-marshes, were simulated by leaching tests (e.g. EN 12457-2 and TCLP). Despite the high concentration of REE, Y and Sc contained in the phosphogypsum stack, their mobility during the leaching tests was very low; <0.66% and 1.8% of the total content of these elements were released during both tests. Chemical and mineralogical evidences suggest that phosphate minerals may act as sources of REE and Y in the phosphogypsum stack while fluoride minerals may act as sinks, controlling their mobility. REE fractionation processes were identified in the phosphogypsum stack; a depletion of LREE in the saturated zone was identified due probably to the dissolution of secondary LREE phosphates previously formed during apatite dissolution in the industrial process. Thus, the vadose zone of the stack would preserve the original REE signature of phosphate rocks. On the other hand, an enrichment of MREE in relation to HREE of edge outflows is observed due to the higher influence of estuarine waters on the leaching process of the phosphogypsum stack. Despite the low mobility of REE, Y and Sc in the phosphogypsum, around 104kg/yr of REE and 40kg/yr of Y and Sc are released from the stack to the estuary, which may imply an environmental concern. The information obtained in this study could be used to optimize extraction methods aimed to recover REE, Y and Sc from phosphogypsum, mitigating the pollution to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ruiz Cánovas
- Department of Earth Sciences & Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment (RENSMA), Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21071 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Francisco Macías
- Department of Earth Sciences & Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment (RENSMA), Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Rafael Pérez López
- Department of Earth Sciences & Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment (RENSMA), Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - José Miguel Nieto
- Department of Earth Sciences & Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment (RENSMA), Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21071 Huelva, Spain
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Li J, Sun C, Zheng L, Yin X, Chen J, Jiang F. Geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements in the surface sediments from the Spratly Islands of China. Mar Pollut Bull 2017; 114:1103-1109. [PMID: 27745974 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The geochemistry of rare earth elements (REE) in surface sediment from Cuarteron reef (N1), Johnson reef (N2), Hugh reef (N3), Gaven reef (N4), Fiery cross reef (N5), and Subi reef (N6) were firstly studied. The total REE abundance (∑REE) varied from 2.244μg·g-1 to 21.661μg·g-1, with an average of 4.667μg·g-1. The LREE/HREE was from 2.747 to 9.869, with an average of 3.687, which indicated that the light REE was evidently enriched. Fractionation was observed between LREE and HREE. Gd with a negative anomaly was also detected in all of the stations. The negative anomalies of δEu from 0.11 to 0.25, with an average of 0.22, and the positive anomalies of δCe from 1.38 to 3.86, with an average of 1.63. The REE individual correlation values with Ca, Mn, Mg, Sr were rCa=-0.05, rMn=0.26, rMg=-0.14, and rSr=0.08.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxi Li
- Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography of State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao, Shandong 266061, China.
| | - Chengjun Sun
- Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography of State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao, Shandong 266061, China; Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Li Zheng
- Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography of State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao, Shandong 266061, China; Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xiaofei Yin
- Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography of State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao, Shandong 266061, China
| | - Junhui Chen
- Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography of State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao, Shandong 266061, China
| | - Fenghua Jiang
- Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography of State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao, Shandong 266061, China
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